Patient satisfaction with family physician colonoscopists

assessing patient satisfaction after endoscopy with a standardized survey is recommended by gastrointestinal professional societies. The purpose of this study was to assess both patient satisfaction with colonoscopy performed by family physicians and physicians' technical competence in colonoscopy.

modified Group Health Association of America 9 surveys were sent to all 230 patients who received a colonoscopy by family physicians at Madigan Army Medical Center from June to December 2007. Responses were graded on a 5-point Likert scale (LS), with a score of ≥ 3 (good to excellent) defined as a favorable response. Procedure reports and medical records were reviewed for all patients, and selected quality indicators were compared with recommended colonoscopy standards.

sixty-nine percent of patients responded: 85 men (54%; mean age ± SD, 54.9 ± 5.6 years) and 73 women (46%; mean age ± SD, 54.3 ± 4.3 years). The overall rating of the visit received a favorable response rate of 98% (average LS rating, 4.6). Nearly all patients said they would have the procedure repeated by the same physician (98%) and at the same facility (98%). The overall reach-the-cecum rate was 100%. Adenomas were detected in 22% of women and 36% of men. All polyps measuring <2 cm were removed, and 99% of the procedures had scope withdrawal times of at least 6 minutes. Hemostasis techniques were used for 2 patients after polypectomy. There were no perforations.

family physicians can perform colonoscopy with a high level of accuracy, safety, and patient satisfaction.